Full Breakdown
India and Canada Launch Fourth CEPA Negotiation Round
By Drooid · · How we work
Negotiations Begin
On September 14, 2026, India and Canada opened the fourth round of talks on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The five-day session, running through September 14-18, will address trade in goods and services, rules of origin and technical trade barriers, an official said.
Trade Figures and 2030 Target
Bilateral trade fell 8.22 % in 2025-26 to $7.95 billion (exports $4.67 billion, imports $3.28 billion) from $8.66 billion the previous year, according to the same official. Both governments have set a goal of raising two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030.
Key Sectors in Focus
India’s major export categories to Canada include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronic goods and chemicals. Canada’s primary imports to India consist of pulses, pearls and semi-precious stones, coal, fertiliser, paper and crude petroleum. Services trade is led by India’s telecommunications, computer-information services and other business services.
Diplomatic Context
The renewed momentum follows a March meeting in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, during which the leaders set a year-end deadline for completing the pact and pledged deeper cooperation in energy and critical minerals. The talks occur against a backdrop of improved relations after tensions under former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which New Delhi had linked to alleged tolerance of Sikh separatist activity.
Outlook and Timeline
Both sides aim to resolve remaining differences on goods and services access and to sign the CEPA before the self-imposed year-end deadline. The outcome will shape future economic ties and could serve as a durable anchor for the broader India-Canada relationship.